A British man has been indicted in the US for allegedly trying to smuggle "sensitive American military technology" to China, including missiles, air defence radar and drones. John Miller, 63, and a Chinese man, Cui Guanghai, are wanted by the FBI on charges relating to conspiracy to commit interstate stalking and conspiracy, smuggling and violations of the Arms Control Act. Mr Miller, a permanent US resident, and Mr Cui, 43, were both arrested in Serbia. They remain there and could now face extradition to the US. The Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to a British national following his arrest in April and it is "in touch with the local authorities and his family". Court documents suggest the two men discussed ways of exporting a device that could be used for encryption and decryption. They are alleged to have paid a $10,000 (£7,430) deposit for the equipment. Mr Miller and Mr Cui are also accused of trying to "harass" an anti-Chinese government protester, which included installing a tracking device on their car and slashing their tires. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche accused the pair of a "blatant assault" on US national security and its democratic values. He added: "This Justice Department will not tolerate foreign repression on US soil, nor will we allow hostile nations to infiltrate or exploit our defence systems." If found guilty, Mr Miller could face up to 20 years in prison for violation of the Arms Export Control Act, and 10 years for smuggling. Court documents detail how the men allegedly solicited the procurement of US defence articles, including missiles, air defence radar, drones and cryptographic devices for unlawful export to China. Mr Cui and Mr Miller are said to have discussed with two individuals - identified as "Individual 5" and "Individual 6" in court documents - how to export a cryptographic device from the US to China. Items the men allegedly discussed using to smuggle the technology include small electronics, a blender and a motor starter. The indictment also alleges the pair enlisted two individuals in the US to carry out a plot that would have prevented a victim from protesting against Chinese President Xi Jinping's attendance at the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) summit held in Los Angeles in November 2023. Mr Miller and Mr Cui were unaware that those two individuals - identified in court documents as "Individual 1" and "Individual 2" - were acting at the direction of the FBI. "The indictment alleges that Chinese foreign actors targeted a victim in our nation because he criticised the Chinese government and its president," said US Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. "My office will continue to use all legal methods available to hold accountable foreign nationals engaging in criminal activity on our soil." A similar scheme allegedly played out in the spring of 2025, when the alleged victim announced in a public video feed that he planned to unveil two new artistic statues that depicted Xi and his wife. Mr Cui and Mr Miller paid two other individuals - identified in court documents as "Individual 3" and "Individual 4" - to try and dissuade the alleged victim from sharing his online display of statues. Those individuals were paid $36,000 (£26,745), but the indictment notes that those two people were also affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI. The two men remain in Serbia and the US is co-ordinating with Serbian officials regarding their pending extraditions. "An indictment is merely an allegation," the US Attorney's Office of the Central District of California said in a statement. "All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
Briton accused of plot to export US military tech
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"British Man Indicted for Alleged Scheme to Export Military Technology to China"
Bbc News
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
John Miller, a 63-year-old British man, has been indicted by U.S. authorities for allegedly attempting to export sensitive military technology to China, including missiles, air defense radar, drones, and cryptographic devices. Miller, a permanent resident of the U.S., along with his co-conspirator, 43-year-old Cui Guanghai, was arrested in Serbia. The two men are facing serious charges that include conspiracy to commit interstate stalking, conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Control Act. Following their arrest in April, the British Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Miller while coordinating with local authorities and his family. Court documents reveal that the pair engaged in discussions about exporting a cryptographic device and allegedly made a $10,000 deposit for the equipment. In addition to the technology smuggling charges, they are accused of attempting to harass a protester opposing the Chinese government by tracking their movements and damaging their vehicle, actions described by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as a serious threat to U.S. national security and democratic values.
The indictment outlines a broader conspiracy involving attempts to intimidate a critic of the Chinese government, particularly in relation to an upcoming appearance by President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Los Angeles. Miller and Cui reportedly discussed ways to prevent the victim from protesting, enlisting others who were unknowingly working under FBI supervision. In a similar incident, they allegedly attempted to prevent the victim from unveiling artistic statues depicting Xi and his wife, offering $36,000 to two individuals acting on behalf of the FBI. Both men remain in Serbia as the U.S. coordinates their extradition, while the U.S. Attorney's Office emphasizes that an indictment is merely an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article reports on the indictment of a British man, John Miller, who is accused of attempting to smuggle sensitive American military technology to China. This development raises significant questions regarding national security, international relations, and the implications of espionage on global dynamics.
Intent Behind the Publication
The article appears to serve multiple purposes, primarily focusing on emphasizing the seriousness of national security threats posed by foreign actors. By detailing the charges against Miller and his co-conspirator, the news reinforces the narrative that foreign espionage is a pressing issue for the United States. This aligns with ongoing concerns about China's technological ambitions and military capabilities, potentially aiming to bolster public support for stricter measures against foreign infiltration.
Perception Management
The coverage creates an impression of urgency and severity regarding national security threats, particularly from China. By highlighting the specific technologies involved, such as missiles and drones, the article seeks to evoke a strong emotional response from the public, fostering a perception of danger that justifies governmental action. The mention of harassment against a protester also underscores the broader implications of foreign influence on domestic affairs, stirring public sentiment against perceived threats.
Potential Concealment
While the article emphasizes national security threats, it may also distract from other pressing issues facing the U.S., such as domestic economic challenges or political divisions. The framing of the story could be construed as a diversion, drawing attention away from internal conflicts and fostering a unified stance against external threats.
Manipulative Elements
The narrative contains elements that could be seen as manipulative, particularly through the emotional language used to describe the alleged actions of Miller and Cui. Phrases like "blatant assault" on national security are designed to provoke a visceral reaction. By portraying the accused in a negative light, the article may also be attempting to vilify not just the individuals but the broader context of international relations with China.
Comparative Context
When juxtaposed with other recent articles on espionage or military technology theft, this piece fits into a broader trend of highlighting threats from foreign nations, particularly China. This thematic consistency across various media outlets contributes to a collective narrative that aims to galvanize public opinion and government policy alike.
Impact on Society and Economy
The implications of this news are significant, potentially influencing public opinion towards stricter immigration policies, increased defense spending, and an overall hardening of the U.S. stance on China. Economically, sectors tied to defense and technology may experience heightened scrutiny or investment as a result of such incidents.
Target Audience
This report is likely aimed at a broad audience concerned with national security, including policymakers, defense analysts, and the general public. It appeals to those who prioritize safety and are wary of foreign influence.
Market and Geopolitical Relevance
The implications of this news could ripple through stock markets, particularly affecting defense contractors or technology firms involved in military applications. Investors may react to the perceived heightened risks of foreign espionage, which can impact stock prices in the defense sector.
Global Power Dynamics
From a geopolitical perspective, this case underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, reflecting a broader narrative of competition over technological supremacy. The timing of the article aligns with ongoing discussions about cybersecurity and national defense, making it relevant to current global affairs.
Use of AI in Reporting
While the article does not explicitly indicate that AI was employed in its writing, the structured presentation of facts and claims suggests potential use of AI language models to ensure clarity and coherence. This might manifest in the organization of content, crafting a narrative that emphasizes urgency and importance.
Conclusion on Trustworthiness
Given the source's reputation and the critical nature of the issues discussed, the article is largely credible. However, the framing and emotional language could lead to perceptions of bias. The focus on national security threats, while valid, may also serve to advance specific political agendas. Overall, the reliability of the information is supported by court documents and official statements, but the narrative’s emotional appeal warrants cautious interpretation.